Slice grouping mechanism for slicing machines



y 1954 A. T. BRUESEWITZ ETAL 2,678,670

SLICE GROUPING MECHANISM FOR SLICING MACHINES 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 FiledJuly 15, 1950 Clrnold David P. Hora/ll) y 18, 1954 A. 'r. BRUESEWITZETAL 2,678,670

SLICE GROUPING MECHANISM FOR SLICING MACHINES 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 FiledJuly 15, 1950 IN V EN TORS Qrnold T Bruesew DaLuLd 7?. Horwi May 18, 1A. T. BRUESEWITZ ET AL 2,678,670

SLICE GROUPING MECHANISM FOR SLICING MACHINES Filed July 15, 1950 4Sheets-Sheet 5 I N V EN TORS Qrnolol 7.' Bruesewitj David R. Hor'wig May18, 1954 A. T. BRUESEWITZ ET AL 2,678,670

SLICE GROUPING MECHANISM FOR SLICING MACHINES Filed July 15, 1950 4Sheets-Sheet 4 IN VEN TORS Orno 1d TI Bruesewiy David R. Hora/lat) agiPatented May 18, 1954 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE SLICE GROUPINGMECHANISM FOR SLICING MACHINES Application July 15, 1950, Serial No.173,974

6 Claims.

The present invention relates to a grouping device operative inconnection with a slicing machine, as for example, a food slicer inwhich slices are out from a body or block of foodstuff, as for examplemeat, and transferred to a conveyor.

t is among the principal objects of the present invention to provide adevice for grouping slices severed from the body of foodstuff andforming them into stacks on a conveyor and moving such stacks on theconveyor after each stack has been formed in order to produce spacedstacks or groups of slices which may readily be handled and packaged.

Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus of thecharacter briefly described above which operates in response to themovement of the fly of the meat slicing machine with which the apparatusis associated.

Another object of the invention is to provide a grouping device of thischaracter including a conveyor for receiving the slices as they are cutfrom the body of foodstuff and which conveyor remains stationary duringthe operation of the fly in order that the latter may place the sliceson the conveyer in stacked relationship and in which the repeatedmovements of the fly operate through a cumulating device to ultimatelyefiect a step movement of the conveyor when the desired number of sliceswhich cooperate to make up a stack have been accumulated thereon so ithat the step movement of the conveyor will carry the stack away fromthe vicinity of the fly and create a region on the conveyor in thevicinity of the fly for accumulation thereon of the next succeedingstack of slices.

In carrying out this last mentioned object, the invention contemplatesthe provision of an endless conveyor having a receiving end positionedto receive successive slices as they are delivered from the main body offoodstuiT while the conveyor remains stationary in order to permit theslices to accumulate into a stack containing the desired number ofslices, The conveyor is adapted to be moved in step by step fashionunder the influence of the movements of the slice transferring flyv Aone-way engaging device or clutch is operatively disposed between thefly shaft and the driving shaft for the conveyor and a lost motionconnection is normally maintained in cfiect so that the movements of thefly shaft will not be transferred through the one-way engaging device tothe drive shaft of the conveyor, the 10st motion connection beingmaintained in effect by virtue of a blocking member forming part of acumulating device by means of which the numher of successive movementsof the fly shaft are accumulated until a predetermined number of flyshaft movements have taken place. After the predetermined number of flyshaft movements, representing the number of slices which cooperate tomake up a single stack, have been performed the blocking member isreleased and the lost motion connection then becomes ineffective so thatthe next successive movement of the fly shaft during the return strokeof the fly operates to positively drive the conveyor through the onewayengaging device and index or step the same so that the accumulated stackis carried away from the vicinity of the fly. After the conveyor hasthus been stepped, the blocking device is restored to its blockingposition and the lost motion device again renders the fly shaftineffective to advance the conveyor until such time as suficientrepeated operation of the fly have again built up a stack on theconveyor.

Another object of the invention is to provide a grouping device forslicing machines which separates the cut slices into individual groupsof a predetermined number of slices and is readily adjustable to varythe number of slices in each individual group whereby different desiredquantities of Weights of sliced material may be measured out and adaptedfor ready packaging. Other objects and advantages of the invention willbe apparent by reference to the following description in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a side elevational view of a machine constructed in accordancewith the principles of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a top plan view of the apparatus shown in Fig. 1;

3 is a sectional view taken through a one-way engaging device employedin connection with the present invention, this figure being a sectionsubstantially along the line 3-3 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a sectional view taken substantially along the line 4-4 ofFig. 2;

Fig. 5 is a sectional view taken substantially along the line 5-5 ofFig. 2; and

Fig. 6 is a sectional view taken substantially along the line 5-6 ofFig. 2.

The present invention is applicable to slicing machines of the generaltype illustrated by the patent to .Stiles No. 1,231,959, for a MeatStacker, although the same may, with or without modification, bedesigned for use in connection with various types of slicing machineshaving a movable fly element for conveying the slices of foodstuff fromthe main body thereof to a conveyor mechanism. Slicing machines of thistype include an endless prong receiver adapted to receive each slice asit is severed and to convey it past a fly having spaced fingers adaptedto move between theprcngs of the receiver and forcibly eject the slicesfrom the prongs by movement back and forth to thereby discharge theslices successively onto a receiving plate form of conveyor.

The grouping device comprising the present invention is adapted toperiodically move the conveyor in response to successive cumulativemovements of the fly, with the movement of the conveyor being capable ofadjustment relative to i i the cumulative movements of the fly to permita greater or lesser number of slices accumulated in a stack before theconveyor is moved or stepped to a new position.

Referring now to the drawings in detail and particularly to Figs. 1 and2, a slicing machine of the type illustrated'in the previously mentionedUnited States Patent No. 1,231,959 is designated in its entirety at It,and only such portions of the slicing machine as are pertinent to thepresent grouping device have been illustrated. The slicing machineinvolves in its general organization a fly 12 which is provided withfingers I4 to remove the slices from the conventional prongs- (notshown) associated with the slicing and delivery mechanism of themachine. The fly I2 is adapted to be reciprocating from a substantiallyvertical position, as shown in Fig. 1, to a horizontal position, and oneach downward movement it deposits a slice of foodstuff on an endlessconveyor mechanism designated in its entirety at; and comprising a partof the improved grouping mechanism of the present invention.

The fly I2 is secured to an oscillating fly shaft l8.which extendstransversely of the machine and the latter is operated by means of anarm 20 which is rigidly connected to the fly shaft i8 and which has itsfree end connected to one end of a spring 22, the other end of which isconnected to a stationary part of the slicing machine framework 25. Thearm 20 is pivoted medially of its ends by means of a pinto a camoperated lever '26 having a yoke portion 28 provided with arms 30 whichstraddle a shaft 32 which extends transversely of the machine framework.The shaft 32.therefore serves as a guide to control the reciprocatingmovement of the lever 26. The shaft 32 has mounted thereon a gear 34having secured thereto a cam member 36 designed for coopera- 'tion witha cam roller 38 carried by the yoke 28.

From the above description of parts it will be seen that upon rotationof the gear 34 the cam roller 38, which is caused to bear against theperiphery of the cam member 36, will cause reciprocating movements ofthe lever 26 and consequent oscillating movements of the arm 20, therebyoscillating the fly shaft l8 and causing the fly 2 to be oscillatedbetween its vertical and horizontal positions. The gear 34 is adapted tobe driven by a small gear 40, hereinafter referred to as the fly gear,mounted on the fly driving shaft 42 of the slicing machine.

The arrangement of parts described above is purely conventional and noclaim is made herein to any novelty associated therewith, thenovelty ofthe present application residing rather in the construction, combinationand arrangement of parts of the grouping mechanism about tobe described.

til

circumferential wall of the driven member 68.

' pulley while :ashaft 5S rotatably jcurnaled between the frame members58 and 52. The driven and driving pulleys 54 and 56 may be in the formof cylindrical members having a series of annular grooves itformed'therein and extending therearound. which grooves are adapted toreceive therein a series of elongated endless garter spring conveyingmembers 62 which pass around the two pulleys and which, in thestraightaway portion of the conveyor, constitute the moving endlesssupporting members onto which the slices of foodstuff delivered from theslicing machine is adapted to become stacked and on which they areadapted to becomegrouped in a manner that will be made clear presently.

A table or shelf GI having depending side flan'ges 63 adjustably securedby studs 65 to the frame members 58 and 52 underlies the spring conveyormembers 82 in the proximity of the stack forming region of the conveyorIt to mechanically reinforce the members and prevent them from saggingunder the weight of the stack as it is progressively formed or built upon the conveyor.

The driven pulley 54 is, of course, an idler the driving pulley 58 isadapted to be driven periodically through the medium of a one-wayengaging device or clutch 64 (see also Fig. 3) associated with the shaft58 on which the pulley 55 is mounted. The one-way engaging device orclutch 64 includes an outer cup-shaped casing 66, which constitutes thedriven element of the device and is suitably secured as at 68 to theshaft 58, and an inner driving member 1 which is rotatably disposedwithin the driven member 68. A series of notches or recesses 12 isprovided in the inner driving member and receive therein the usualclutch rollers M which are spring pressed as at it in a directiontending to normally cause the rollers to bind between the inner surfacesof the recesses 12 and the inner cir- Thus, such a conventional one-wayengaging device will permit the inner driving member 10 to rotateoroverrun the driven member 68 in a counterclockwise direction as viewedin Fig. 3 without disturbing the position of the latter, while rotationof the driving member TB in a clockwise direction will cause the rollers14 to become wedged in'their'respective recesses and effect a I directdrive between the inner and outer members iii and 68, respectively. Withthe driving and driven members thus connected in driving relationship,the one-way device '64 may be said to be engaged.

The driving member 70 of the one-way engaging device 64 has integrallyformed therewith a gear 18 which constitutes the driving gear for theconveyor is and which is adapted to be periodically driven under theinfluence of the oscillating movements of the fly shaft 18 in a mannerand for a purpose that will be made clear presently.

The gear i8 i carried on and supported by a stud shaft 19 which receivesits support in a bracket 8| which is spaced outwardly from the framemember so and which is securedthereto by means of spacing collar andstud assemblies 83. Still referring to Figs. 1 and 2, the fly shaft l8has loosely mounted thereon adjacent one end thereof a gear sector 88,the teeth of which mesh with the peripheral teeth of th gear ill. Thegear sector 86 is formed with an arcuate slot 82 adjacent its peripherywhich receives therein a pin 54 carried at the outer end of an arm 85,the inner end of which is rigidly secured to the fly shaft is. A spring88 is secured at one end to a pin 3! projecting from one edge of thegear sector and at the other end to a pin 89 projecting from an edge ofthe arm 85, while the medial region of the spring is coiled or bentabout the fiy shaft l8, so that the tendency of the spring 83 is toconstrain the gear sector 86 to normally follow the movements of the arm85, which in turn follows the oscillating movements of the fly shaft l8.

ihe gear sector as is preferably in the form of a quadrant and thereforeis adapted to dis place itself upon movement of the fly 12 downwardlyfrom its vertical position to its horizontal position when the gearsector 8% moves with the arm 85 thus causing the gear 2'8 and drivingelement is of the one-way engaging device or clutch to rotate freely ina clockwise direction as viewed in Fig. 2 without disturbing theposition of the conveyor proper. The pin and slot connection 82, 8dhowever constitute in effect a lost motion connection between the gearsector 86 and the fly shaft it? so that when the gear sector 89 isblocked, intercepted or otherwise prevented from following the movementsof the arm the gear sector will remain stationary and no such freemovement of the driving element of the one-Way engaging device obtains.

ccording to the present invention interceptor means are provided forblocking the movements of the gear sector 89' during a predeterminednumber of movements of the fly l2 and consequently during the time thata stack of food slices is being built up in the forward regions of theconveyor l i and for thereafter releasing the sector to permit thelatter, through the medium of the one-way engaging device or clutch $4,to advanceor step the conveyor through a predeterriined degree ofmovement to advance the completely built up stack and carry the samealong the conveyor a distance sufficient to clear the forward region ofthe conveyor it for subsequent stac forming operations.

Accordingly, an interceptor bar 98 is slidably supported openings 92provided in the frame 52 and carries at one end thereof, outsi e of theframe member 58, an interceptor collar which is movable with the bar 9?]from an advanced position wherein it is disii to retracted positionwherein it is out of the of movement of the sector. The other end I" theinterceptor rod is recessed as at 9! and a plunger 93 slidably disposedin the recess 9| and normally urged outwardly by means of a spring 95.The spring as and plunger ES constitute lost motion connection, thefunction of which will appear presently. A second spring Q"? surroundsthe rod 9:? bears at one end against the frame member 52 and at theother end against a cross pin Q8 which projects through aligned slotsit! formed in the recessed end of the rod to and which passes throughand is secured in the plunger 93. The tension exerted by the spring a?is somewhat greater than the tension exerted by the spring 96 and as aconsequence any thrust exerted upon the plunger 93 tending to move thesame into the recess 9| Will force the rod 953 to its advanced postionwhile at the same time compressing the spring 97. The pin 99 and slotlei determine the limits of sliding movement of the plunger es in therecess 9i. A collar on the rod is adapted to bear against the framemember 5% to limit and determine the advance position of the rod til.

The driving shaft 58 of the conveyor It, i. e. the shaft on which theconveyor driving pulley 53 is moun has mounted thereon a second one-wayengaging device or clutch 98 (see also 4 6) similar to the one-wayengaging device 5% and which is positioned on the shaft 58 outside ofthe frame member 52 at the end of the shaft 53 opposite the one-wayengaging device 3 3.

The one-way engaging device 98 includes an inner driving member itswhich is loosely disposed on the shaft 53 and an outer driven memberits, the two members Mill and I02 being operatively connected togetherin one-way driving relationship by suitable driving means which has notbeen illustrated herein but which may be of the inclined wedge typesimilar to that shown in connection with the one-way engaging deviceshown in Fig. 3.

driven member 582 of the one-way engaging device it is provided with areduced ratchet portion or wheel m3 which may be integrally formedtherewith and the ratchet wheel has secured thereto an interceptor discI64 having a notch 59% formed the peripheral regions thereof anddesigned for register with the end of the plunger which projects fromthe recessed end of the rod so. The end of the plunger 93 may bebevelled as at 188 to facilitate entry thereof into and removal thereoffrom the notch I06 as will be described presently. The driven member i02 may receive its sup-port from the shaft 58, and toward this end theshaft may extend through the ratchet portion Hi3 and interceptor discH34 so that the latter are loosely disposed on the shaft A pawl S95loosely mounted on the interceptor rod cooperates with the ratchetportion use of the one-way engaging device 98 and permits movement ofthe ratchet portion, and consequently of the interceptor wheel file in adirection counter to its normal direction of movemerit.

The interceptor disc lot is adapted to be periodically rotated in acounterclockwise direction as viewed in Fig. 4 throughout predeterminedincrements of motion in timed relationship to the oscillating movementsof the fly shaft is and consequently of the fly l2, and, during theperiod of time that a particular stack comprised of slices of foodstuffis being built up on the forward or stacking region of the conveyor it,the bevelled end of the plunger 533 is adapted to ride upon the smoothinner surface of the interceptor disc lift and the action of the springpressed lost motion connection 91, 99, It! exceeds that of the spring$36 so that the interceptor rod 98, together with the interceptor collar94 is maintained in its advanced position in the path of movement of thegear segment 83. After a predetermined number of slices of foodstuffhave been stacked upon the conveyor, and consequently after theinterceptor disc l 64 has been rotated throughout one completerevolution so that the notch Hi8 comes into register with the bevelledend of the rod 99, the end of the rod falls into the notch its retractedposition. positioned in the path of the pin 25 and is adaptsoon to bedescribed. A blocking or latch finger I? is pivotally secured to theframe member 50 and is spring pressed as at I09 in such a direction asto enter th space between the collar 89 and the frame member 50 when therod 00 assumes The latch finger I0! is ed to be engaged thereby when inits latching position to trip the latch and release the interceptor rod90 at the end of the return stroke of the fly I2.

Referring now to Figs. 1, 2, 4 and 5 whereinthe driving mechanism forperiodically advancing the intercepter disc I04 throughout itsincrements of motion is best illustrated, a subframe assembly H0 issecured to and depends from each of the frame members 50 and 52 and thetwo assemblies serve to support therebetween a transverse rcckshaft II2,the ends of which are journalled in the sub-frame assemblies H0. Therock-shaft I I2 occupies a position below the conveyor proper I0.

An adjustable lever assembly I I4 (Fig. 4) is secured to the rockshaftH2 and includes means whereby its effective extent may be lengthened orshortened for the purpose of varying the angular extent of theincrements of motion periodically applied to the intercepter disc I04 toincrease or decrease the number of slices of foodstuff desired to makeup a single stack of the foodstuff.

The lever assembly involves in its general organization an outer cagemember H0 the upper end of which is secured to the rock shaft I I2 andwhich is provided with an elongated slot II8 therein along which thereextends centrally an adjusting screw I rotatably journalled in the cageatthe ends of the slot. A block I22 is threadedly received on the screwI20, is slidably disposed and guided in the slot H8 and pivotallycarries thereon a socket member I24 which threadedly receives thereinone end of a reciprocating link I20. The other end of the link I25 isthreadedly received in a socket member I28 which is pivoted as atISIl'betWeen the bifurcations I32 of a yoke member I35 which ispivotally carried on an eccentric pin I36 capable of selectivepositioning or mounting on an eccentric plate I38 which is secured to avertical shaft I00 suitably journalled in th machine framework andadapted to be rotated under the influence of the driving mechanism forthe fly shaft I8. A series of holes I42 are provided in the eccentricplate I38 for selective reception of the eccentric pin I36.

The shaft I has mounted thereon a bevel gear I which meshes with asimilar bevel gear I52 mounted on the shaft 32 which carries the drivengear 34 of the fly shaft driving mechanism.

From the above description of parts it will be seen that upon rotationof the fly shaft I8 and consequent rotation of th driven gear 34, motionis transmitted through the gears I52, I50, shaft I60, eccentric plateand pin I38, I36, adjustable link assembly I26 and adjustable leverassembly I III to the rock shaft I I2 so that the latter is oscillatedabout its axis in timed relationship to the movements of the fly shaftI8.

The oscillating movements of the rock shaft are translated to thedriving member I00 of the one-way engaging device 98 by means of alinkage system best illustrated in Fig. 6 and the unidirectionalcomponents of motion applied to the driving member I00 are applied tothe driving member I02 and consequently to the interceptor disc I045.Accordingly, a lever I54 having a series of holes I50 therein designedfor selective reception of an adjustable link assembly I58, similar tothe link assembly including the link I25, is secured to the rock shaftH2. The other end of the link assembly I58 is adapted to be selectivelyreceived in one of a series of holes I60 provided in a lever I62 fixedlysecured as at I64 to the outer face of the driving member I00 of theone-way engaging device 08.

The leverage afforded by the linkage system including the link I26 (Fig.4) is thus compounded with the leverage afforded by the linkage systemincluding the link I58 and a predetermined stroke" is thusintermittently applied to the driving member I00 of the one way engagingdevice orclutch 98 tending to drive the driven member I02 thereof in acounterclockwise direction by the application of increments ofpredetermined angularity to the latter. The entire linkage system as awhole is possessed of a wide versatility of adjustment which in actualpractice has been found capable of enabling the fiy I2 to deliver slicesof foodstuff from the body undergoing slicing for grouping in stacks offrom five to fifty slices per group. Thus, the present groupingmechanism, when employed in connection with a slicing machine capable ofbeing adjusted to accommodate sixty-four slices to the inch, gives themachine as a whole a wide range in the number of slices and weights ofthe individual stacks on the conveyor I6.

In the operation of the grouping apparatus during slicing operations thefly I2 is caused to oscillate in unison with the fly shaft I8 under theinfluence of the driving mechanism existing between the fiy drivingshaft 42, and each time the fly moves downwardly in a counterclockwisedirection, as viewed in Fig. 1, a slice of foodstuff is delivered ontothe food end of the conveyor I6 above the table BI and, since theconveyor remains stationary throughout an appreciable length of time apredetermined number of the slices are placed one upon anothersuccessively .so that ultimately a stack of slices is built up upon theconveyor. During the time existing from the placement of the firstinitial slice of foodstuff on the conveyor until the last slice in thestack has been deposited, the bevelled end of the plunger 93 rides onthe smooth inner surface of the interceptor disc I04 in the peripheryregions thereof. Since the rate of the spring 96 is greater than therate of the spring 91, the interceptor rod 90, together with theinterceptor collar 94 are held in their advanced positions with thecollar 04 being positioned in the path of movement of the gear sectorand thus blocking its movements. Each time that the fiy I2 movesdownwardly with the fly shaft I8 turning in a counterclockwise directionas viewed in Fig. 1 the arm 86 moves therewith and travels in the slot82 thus extending the spring 88 without effecting any movement of thegear sector 80. During such initial oscillations of the fly shaft I8under the influence of the fly driving shaft 42 and gears 40 and 34, thelatter gear operating through the gear I50, shaft I 40, eccentric plateI38, eccentric pin I 45, and linkage system, including the link I26leading to the rock-shaft I I2 and also through the linkage systemleading from the rock-shaft I I2 and including the link I 58 and leverI62 serves to drive the driving member I with the oneway engaging device98 in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in Fig. 6. Thus, upon eachoscillating movement of the fly I2 small increments of motion, whosesize depend upon the setting of the compound linkage system, are appliedto the driven element I02 of the one-Way engaging device andconsequently to the interceptor disc I04, these increments of motion areaccumulated between disc IE4 and the interceptor rod 90 and coil 94 andare maintained in their advanced position until such time as theinterceptor disc I84 has completed one full revolution, at which timethe bevelled end of the plunger 93 moves into the notch we provided nearthe periphery of the disc 384, thus permitting the rod 50 and collar 94to move to their retracted position. With the interceptor collar s4 thusremoved from the path of movement of the gear sector 89, the lost motionconnection including the slot 82 and arm 86 is rendered ineffective andthe spring 88 then operates upon the next succeeding downward movementof the fly I2 to pull the gear sector 88 downwardly about its orbitalpath of movement, thus causing the driving element of the one-wayengaging device 64 to overrun the driven member 66 of the device 64.Upon return movement of the fly I2 the pin 84 engages an end of the slot82 and forces the gear sector 89 in a clockwise direction thus rotatingthe gear l8 and the driving member It in a counterclockwise direction tostep the conveyor a predetermined distance and cause the built up stackon the same to be removed from the vicinity of the stacking region ofthe conveyor.

As soon as the next stroke of the compound linkage mechanism occurs theinterceptor disc I04 is advanced an additional increment of motion sothat the end of the plunger 93 rides outwardly from the notch I06 andagain moves the interceptor collar 9 into the path of movement of thegear sector 86 to permit a successive stack of food slices to be builtup on the conveyor. The operation is continuous and as each successivestack is completed above the table portion of the conveyor the conveyoris indexed and the stack advanced along the conveyor.

The invention provides a new and improved apparatus designed forcooperation with a food slicing machine, such as a meat slicer, to groupthe slices onto a conveyor. The apparatus is characterized by simplicityand ease of operation; it is also compact, rugged and durable andrequires very little modification of conventional meat slicers whenapplied thereto.

The invention is hereby claimed as follows:

1. The combination with a slicing machine having an oscillating flyshaft, of a movable conveyor positioned to receive the slices severed bythe slicing machine in vertically stacked relationship, driving meansoperatively connecting the fly shaft and conveyor in drivingrelationship and including a lost motion connection, and cumulatingmeans operable during a predetermined number of successive oscillatingmovements of the fly shaft for rendering said lost mo tion connectioneifective to in turn render said driving means ineffective to move saidconveyor, said cumulating means constituting a one-way clutch memberpositioned between said fly shaft and said conveyor and a blockingmember associated with said lost motion connection operative after apredetermined number of oscillations of the fly shaft and spring meansfor releasing said blocking member to render said driving meanseffective to move said conveyor a relatively great distance 2. Thecombination with a slicing machine having an oscillating fly shaft, of amovable receiver positioned to receive the slices severed by the slicingmachine in vertically stacked relationship, gear means for periodicallymoving said receiver in step-by-step fashion to conduct the stackedslices delivered thereto away from the slicing machine, meansoperatively connecting said receiver moving means and fly shaft indriving relationship and including a yieldable lost motion connection, ablocking member operable during the formation of a stack on saidreceiver for rendering said lost motion connection efiective to in turnrender said connecting means ineffective and prevent movement of thereceiver by said receiver moving means, and spring means for releasingsaid blocking member, said spring means operable after a predeterminednumber of slices have been deposited on said receiver in verticallystacked relationship for rendering said lost motion connectionineffective to permit said connecting means to render said receivermoving means effective to stop the receiver.

3. The combination with a slicing machine having an oscillating flyshaft, of a movable conveyor positioned to receive the slices severed bythe slicing machine in vertically stacked relationship, a one-wayengaging device operatively connecting said fly shaft and conveyor indriving relationship and including a driving member and a driven member,a lost motion connection between said fly shaft and driving member,cumulating means operable during a predetermined number of successiveoscillating movements of the fly shaft for rendering said lost motionconnection eifective to prevent driving of said driving member by saidfly shaft thereby to prevent movement of said conveyor, said cumulatingmeans constituting a one-way clutch member positioned between said flyshaft and said conveyor and a blocking member associated with said lostmotion connection operative after a predetermined number of oscillationsof the fly shaft and spring means for releasing said blocking member torender said lost motion connection ineffective and permit driving ofsaid driving member by said fly shaft, thereby to move said conveyor arelatively great distance.

4. The combination with a slicing machine having an oscillating flyshaft, of a movable conveyor positioned to receive the slices severed bythe slicing machine in vertically stacked relationship, one-way engagingmeans for driving said conveyor and including a driving element and adriven element, a gear mounted on said driving element, a gear segmentmounted on said fly shaft and meshing with said gear, a yieldable lostmotion connection between said gear segment and said fly shaft,interceptor means movable from a normally retracted position out of thepath of movement of said gear segment to an advanced position wherein itis in the path of movement of said gear segment to prevent movement ofthe latter and consequent movement of said gear thereby to preventmovement of said conveyor, a cumulating device operable during apredetermined number of oscillations of the fly shaft for maintainingsaid interceptor means in the path of movement of said gear segment,said cumulating device being operable after a predetermined number ofoscillations of the fly shaft to release said interceptor means andpermit movement of the latter out of the path of movement of said gearsegment, thereby to move said conveyor a relatively great distance.

5. The combination with a slicing machine having an oscillating flyshaft and a continuously rotatable fly driving shaft, of a movableconveyor positioned to receive the slices severed by the slicing machinein vertically stacked relationship, a driving pulley for said conveyor,a driving shaft for said pulley, a one-way engaging device mounted onsaid pulley driving shaft and including a driving element and a drivenelement mounted on said pulley driving shaft, a gear mounted on saiddriving element, a gear segment mounted on said fly shaft and meshingwith said gear, a yieldable lost motion connection between said gearsegment and said fly shaft, an interceptor member movable from anadvanced position wherein it is in the path of movement of said gearsegment to a retracted position wherein it is out of the path ofmovement of said gear segment, means yieldably maintaining saidinterceptor member in its retracted position, a second one-way engagingdevice including a driving element and a driven element, an interceptordisc carried by said driven element and having a surface positioned toengage said interceptor member and urge the same to its advancedposition, there being a notch formed in the surface of said interceptordisc designed for reception of said interceptor member to permit thelatter to move to its retracted position, an oscillating rock shaft,means translating the continuous movements of said fly driving shaftinto oscillating movements of the rock shaft, means operativelyconnecting said rock shaft and last mentioned driving element wherebyoscillating movements of the rock shaft are caused to impart rotationalincrements of motion to said latter driving element in a direction todrive said latter l2 driven'element, a" latch member operable uponmovement of said interceptor'member' to its retracted position formaintaining the latter'retracted, and means operable upon movement ofsaid fly for tripping said latch member.

6. The combination with a slicing machine having an oscillating flyshaft, of a movable conveyor positioned to receive the slices severed bythe slicing machine in vertically'stacked relationship, a one-wayengaging device operatively connecting said fly shaft and conveyor indriving relationship and including a driving member and a driven member,a lost motion connection between said fly shaft and driving member,cumulating means operable during a predetermined number of successiveoscillating movements of the fly shaft for rendering said lost motionconnection effective to prevent driving of said driving member by saidfly shaft, thereby to prevent movement of said conveyor, said cumulatingmeans constituting a one-way clutch member positioned between said flyshaft and said conveyor and a blocking member associated with said lostmotion connection operative after a predetermined number of oscillationsof the fly shaft and spring means for releasing said blocking member torender said lost motion connection ineffective and permit driving ofsaid driving member by said fly shaft, thereby to move said a relativelygreat distance, and adjusting means operatively associated with saidcumulating means for predetermining the operation thereof in response toa determined number of oscillations of said fly shaft.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS NumberName Date 1,310,261 Van Berkel July 15, 1919 1,310,262 Van Berkel July15, 1919 1,376,775 Luschka et a1 May 3, 1921 1,519,354 Brown Dec. 16,1924 1,821,445 Nestor Sept. 1, 1931

